Before removing any trash from your WhatsApp bin, make sure you have a backup in case you get rid of something you would like to keep. Accessing the hidden trash bin in WhatsApp’s file system can help you free up valuable space on your mobile device.
WhatsApp, the world’s most popular messaging app, has become an indispensable tool for daily communication. However, its continuous use often leads to a common issue faced by many users: the buildup of multimedia files sometimes costing extra money for having to contract memory space in the cloud.
Effect of trash on your WhatsApp bin
While photos, videos, and documents serve their purpose at the time, they often linger on your device, occupying unnecessary space. This clutter can slow down your phone’s performance, making it sluggish and prone to errors. Fortunately, WhatsApp provides various methods for managing and effectively deleting these files.
Even though WhatsApp does not have a visible recycle bin, Android devices offer a way to permanently delete files. This process is simple yet effective for freeing up space, especially when the app accumulates a large amount of data. Here’s how you can manage your files:
- Regularly review your chat history to identify unnecessary media files.
- Utilize WhatsApp’s built-in storage management tools to sort and delete unwanted items.
- Consider using third-party apps designed to clean up storage space specifically for WhatsApp.
By taking these steps, you can ensure your mobile device continues to run smoothly and efficiently, without the burden of excessive data.
Managing your device’s storage can be a breeze if you know where to look, especially when it comes to handling media from apps like WhatsApp. Follow these steps to efficiently access and clean up your phone’s storage space.
Accessing Your File Manager ( Find waste container)
The first step is to open your device’s file manager. This tool might be labeled differently depending on your phone’s model, with common names being “Files” or “File Manager.”
Navigating Internal Storage
Once inside the file manager, proceed to Internal Storage or Main Storage. This is where all your system folders are located.
Finding Your WhatsApp Media
To locate the media files received through WhatsApp, navigate through the following path:
- Android
- media
- com.whatsapp
- Media
Here, you’ll find subfolders organized by file type, such as Images, Videos, Audios, and Documents.
Deleting Unnecessary Files
- Select the folders or files you wish to remove.
- Press the Delete option to permanently get rid of the selected files.
This simple action clears what could be considered WhatsApp’s “hidden trash,” ensuring these files no longer take up valuable space on your device.
By following this straightforward process, you can permanently delete unnecessary files and free up valuable space on your mobile.
Managing your device’s storage effectively is crucial, and one powerful tool at your disposal is the file manager. It helps you free up space by accessing specific folders.
Optimize Your Device: Remove WhatsApp Database Files
A key aspect of device maintenance is clearing out old files, especially those from the WhatsApp database. These files include backup copies of your conversations and can take up significant space if not managed properly. Here’s how to remove them:
- Open your file manager and navigate to either Internal Storage or Main Storage.
- Follow the path: Android > media > com.whatsapp > WhatsApp > Databases.
- Press and hold each file found in this folder. A list will appear showing files with their creation dates.
- Select the oldest files or those you no longer need, and tap Delete.
This process is particularly beneficial for those who don’t need to keep multiple backup copies and wish to prevent unnecessary accumulation in their system. Deleting these database files will not affect your current conversations, but it will free up a considerable amount of space.
Efficiently clearing out your WhatsApp chats is an excellent way to remove content without losing your conversation history. This method is perfect for those needing to free up space quickly, as it allows for the deletion of multimedia files and old messages in just a few steps.
How to Clear WhatsApp Chats Without Losing History
Follow these steps to efficiently manage your WhatsApp storage:
- Open WhatsApp and navigate to the Chats tab.
- Tap the three dots icon in the upper right corner of the screen and select Settings.
- In the settings menu, choose Chats > Chat History.
- Select the option to Clear all chats.
- If you wish to remove the received multimedia files from both WhatsApp and your device’s gallery, WhatsApp will prompt you to confirm your identity. If this option is chosen, photos, videos, and documents will be deleted.
- Finally, tap Clear chats to complete the process.
The Benefits of Clearing WhatsApp Chats
This method doesn’t delete the chats themselves, but it does empty their content, freeing up space without erasing the conversations. Additionally, as long as a backup has been made before clearing the chats, you can recover messages and files.
How can I recover accidentally deleted files from my WhatsApp trash?
Method 1: Recover from Local WhatsApp Backup on Android
- Install a file manager app on your Android phone.
- Open the file manager and navigate to the WhatsApp backup folder. This is usually located at: Internal Storage > WhatsApp > Databases
- Look for a backup file named msgstore.db.crypt12 or similar. The number at the end (like crypt12) may vary.
- If you want to restore an older backup, rename the desired backup file from msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12 to msgstore.db.crypt12. Don’t change the crypt extension number.
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp. During setup, tap Restore when prompted to restore your chat history from the local backup.
Method 2: Restore Deleted Files from Google Drive WhatsApp Backup
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp on your Android phone.
- During setup, sign in with the same Google account you used to create your WhatsApp backups.
- When prompted, tap Restore to retrieve your WhatsApp chats and media from Google Drive, including files you may have accidentally deleted.
Method 3: Use Android Data Recovery Software
- Install data recovery software like iMyFone D-Back on your computer. Launch it and connect your Android phone.
- Select Device Storage and enter your phone number for verification. Click Start to scan for deleted WhatsApp files.
- After scanning, select the WhatsApp files you want to recover. Choose to restore them to your computer or device.
